HUMBOLDT — USD 258 wants to divest itself of the old Walter Johnson athletic field, “not to make money but to do something good for the community,” Superintendent Kay Lewis told committee members helping to find a use.
The field is a landmark in Humboldt, with an imposing rock wall on four sides, iron gates and a stadium also constructed of local limestone, all done under authority of the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression.
Generations of Humboldt High students played football and baseball there. Stadium and athletic fields occupy just a portion of the spacious landscape.
Named for Walter Johnson, Hall of Fame pitcher born north of Humboldt in 1887, the complex became an albatross for the district, albeit a popular one, when its new, upscale sports fields opened at the east edge of town in 2014.
Board members and Lewis agitated about what to do, finally making their concerns public. With no apparent need, the district still has responsibilities of keeping the large area of mostly grass mowed. Liability issues also are a concern.
Transfer to the city, or the Recreation Commission, funded by a district-wide levy, didn’t strike a positive chord.
Lewis said board members weren’t interested in the field being a repository for “junk art,” or something that would violate it as an integral part in local history, which led to involving a citizens committee.
IN MID-JANUARY Rosalee Larson, 85, was admitted to the hospital in Chanute. Her prognosis was dire. Family members were called.
Son Gary Larson, 51, rushed from Neodesha to be at her bedside. One day during his vigil he noticed a newspaper article describing the board’s conundrum with the field.
Larson, a cracker jack athlete himself at Humboldt High (graduate of 1983), read on. Interest piqued, Larson’s thoughts turned to what he, as director of Fellowship of Christian Athletes for southeast Kansas, and others might do with the field to keep its character and ambiance, and involve, as well as Humboldt kids, others from the 108 SEK schools where he oversees FCA activities.
“Generation after generation of memories” are part and parcel to the field, Larson told committee members. For some time, “I’ve been looking for a home base for FCA in southeast Kansas.”
The field has no building, just a stadium with a small press box atop, and make-do concession stand and restrooms that need attention. However, the enclosure does have ample space for such construction.
Larson admitted to having no specific proposal, but did mention such things as camps, sports events and activities — maybe an obstacle course or disc golf — even a mobile stage where concerts could occur.
“My wife (Melissa) said it best, ‘I think this is something God put in your lap,’” Larson said. “Now, to find out what’s feasible.”
Larson said he had no intention for a place dedicated strictly to FCA activities. Rather, he envisions a multiplex available to anyone who could use it, young or old.
Even so, he doesn’t deny his vision: “To build a ministry that touches the lives of student athletes, coaches, administrators, donors and anyone else who comes in contact with SEK FCA.”
